Bowhunting Equipment
Bowhunting provides unique challenges and considerations for hunters. As the popularity of hunting with a bow continues to rise, it becomes more important for us to highlight differences between bow- and gun-hunting to ensure the safe participation of all hunters.
Arizona has specific hunts dedicated to archery-only as the method of take (R12-4-304 and R12-4-318, crossbow R12-4-216). During the second decade of the new millennium, the Department has seen a 36.9% increase in over-the-counter archery deer tags alone, demonstrating the growing popularity of bowhunting in Arizona.
R12-4-318 C.5.
An “archery-only” season shall not use any other weapons, including crossbows or bows with a device that holds the bow in a drawn position except as authorized under R12-4-216. A person participating in an “archery only” season may use one or more of the following methods or devices if authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted:
- Bows and arrows, and
- Falconry
R12-4-318 C.6.
A “handgun, archery, and muzzleloader (HAM)” season may use one or more of the following methods or devices if authorized under R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted:
- Muzzleloading rifles,
- Handguns,
- Muzzleloading handguns,
- Bows and arrows,
- Crossbows or bows to be drawn and held with an assisting device, and
- Pre-charged pneumatic weapons capable of holding and discharging a single projectile .35 caliber or larger.